Hello-

I have just acquired two fully functional keyless remote entry fobs for my 1996 Volvo 850. The question is- how do I program them both to my specific car? It is a '96 base sedan, are there any instructions on how to do this? You guys know how?

http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=48450&postcount=2

i'm looking for info to program a remote for a 98 S70

For programming the entry fobs on the 1996 850 you must turn the ignition switch off and on five times, leaving it on the last time, then press the large button on the fob until the red light on top of the dash flashes. If you have more than one remote fob the second must be programmed within 15 seconds of the first. On the later models the remote fob must be programmed by the dealer mine is a 1997 model 855T5 and the programming is the same as the early models luckily. I hope this helps.

Mailee-

The only problem is, I don't have a red light on top of my dash- all I have is a little black panel. It's a '96 base model and I really don't know if those were pre-wired for keyless entry.

I purchased a 1996 850 Turbo in January that came without the remotes and went through a similar exercise.
Since it had a central locking system that worked fine from both the driver door lock (using key) and also from the central switch (left of steering wheel near headlight switch) I was reasonably sure it must have the keyless option. One other person posted a message on the brickboard that you could tell for sure by checking in back of glove box for the transmitter and that there are three types of transmitters(A,B,C) that match up with 3 different types of remotes. I found this out after purchasing the wrong remote off E-Bay. It was a completely new Volvo remote with Volvo programmiong instructions, however it was the newer, smaller, gray colored unit with 3 buttons (Lock-Unlock-Panic) Could not get this to program. Purchased the older style 2 button (lock-unlock)side by side black colored unit and it programmed fine on the second time. Only issue I have is that there is sometimes a longer delay 1-1.5 seconds or so for the locks to operate. Especially for the unlock, not usually for lock. This is not due to batteries or range as it does the same from 3 feet as well as 75 feet?
The Volvo factory programming sheet stated to "turn the ignition switch from Off to On (not start where motor turns) five times in succession, and leave "On" after fifth time and press any button on remote within 5 seconds. This did work. There was no mention of a red light in the Volvo instruction sheet (sheet was complete with Volvo Publication No.)
I would say that if you have central electric locks, chances are you also have the keyless entry.
On the Turbo's, the remote also turns on the alarm - and the red light on the dash is the "alarm on" indication. I don't know if all vehicles with keyless entry had the alarm? There is a description in the owners manual.
The 2 button types are priced $20.00 - 30.00 on E-bay. Three button types, supposedly for some 1996, and all 1997 and some 70 series are in the $40-75.00 range.